Table tennis: Swinging the racket billions of times, achieving a grand slam

Chapter 253 Doubles Super Grand Slam—Meet Ma Taki again!
Half past five.

End of training.

Go to the cafeteria to eat.

Walking on the road, the three of them did not seem tired at all and were still discussing the evening's training plan.

"In the afternoon training, we basically just run the ball, with high speed and power, which tests our reaction and pace. But in a real game, the length of the ball and the speed of the rhythm will all change."

Chen Jin hesitated for a moment, then turned to Xie Mingyang and said, "So, in tonight's training, when you pass the ball, change the rhythm more and try to simulate actual combat."

"it is good."

Xie Mingyang nodded.

"Multi-ball training can never be equal to actual combat."

Zhang Jiahao suggested, "How about we find someone else and have a real fight?"

With Chen Jin's current reputation and status in the national table tennis team, it would be easy for him to ask someone to practice with him.

"also."

Chen Jin nodded, "Then I'll just look for someone who's destined to meet me in the training hall."

After dinner.

The three of them returned to the dormitory together.

After more than a month, Zhang Jiahao revisited the old place and couldn't help but sigh: "It has to be the national team. It's much better than the six-person dormitory I had in the Magic City team."

As soon as he entered his room, he threw himself on the bed, like Peppa Pig rolling in a mud puddle, humming with joy.

"The beds in the national team are just more comfortable than those in the provincial team."

Zhang Jiahao said seriously, "I'm back in the national team this time. If anyone drives me back to the provincial team again, I'll let all the ancestors of the Zhang family come up and have a good chat with him!"

"Can your Zhang family ancestor still fake his death?"

Xie Mingyang, who was sitting next door, suddenly interrupted.

"???"

Zhang Jiahao pounded on the wall and said unhappily, "Your ancestors are the ones who pretended to be dead. Only eighteen generations of your family pretended to be dead!"

"My Zhang family's ancestors called this coming down to earth. Do you understand what it means to come down to earth?"

"How about I ask my ancestors to come up and talk to you too?"

At this time, Xie Mingyang was lying on the bed, leaning against the backrest, and took out a pair of Bluetooth headphones from his pocket.

After hearing what Zhang Jiahao said, Xie Mingyang snorted disdainfully: "You're crazy."

He immediately put the Bluetooth into his ears, listened to soothing classical music, slowly closed his eyes, and took a short rest, ignoring Zhang Jiahao's playfulness.

Listening to Zhang Jiahao's noise, Chen Jin smiled slightly.

He turned his eyes and caught a glimpse of the racket he had tried playing with in the afternoon.

"It's a pity that the backhand is not very good."

Chen Jin picked up the racket and swung it with his forearm.

I was just about to put my racket away.

Sudden.

A "ding" sound rang in my mind.

Chen Jin was startled.

Before he could react, a prompt sound suddenly rang out.

[Host has trained the racket 1 times cumulatively, forehand proficiency +1, backhand proficiency +1, ball control proficiency +1, footwork proficiency +]

Chen Jin couldn't help but be stunned for a moment.

Then, he burst out laughing: "I almost forgot that I am a man with a system."

In the past two months, I have been traveling around to participate in competitions, unlike before when I was in the provincial team, I trained all day long.

Therefore, the cumulative time of the number of swings has become much longer.

What's more, with his current strength, he is enough to sweep the world table tennis arena.

Naturally, I didn't pay much attention to the system and almost forgot about it.

If the system hadn't suddenly reminded him, he really wouldn't have remembered it.

Thoughts moved slightly.

The data panel came to mind.

Chen Jin took a look and said, "Your proficiency in forehand high balls is a bit low."

"Backhand slice can also be strengthened appropriately."

"The pace still depends on the ability to 'forehand save'."

"If you control the ball... you just suck it up. You still have to show off more when you need to."

soon.

[Forehand: Smash high ball (5+)] becomes [Forehand: Smash high ball (6+)].
[Backhand: Slice (1+)] becomes [Backhand: Slice (2+)].
[Ball Control: Short Shot (6+)] becomes [Ball Control: Short Shot (7+)]

[Step: Forehand (9+)] becomes [Step: Forehand (10)]

Allocate proficiency.

Chen Jin ignored the system and put the trial tennis racket into the suitcase.

Followed by.

I sorted out my bag again.

Main racket, spare racket, mineral water, snacks, towel, jersey and shorts, emergency medical kit...

After everything was tidily organized, he lay down on the bed.

Place your arms on the pillow and close your eyes to relax.

I don't know how long it was before I heard someone shouting in my sleep: "Brothers, it's seven o'clock, get up and go to training."

Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang woke up suddenly and opened their eyes almost at the same time.

“It’s unprecedented.”

Chen Jin smiled and said, "Jiahao, there is still a day when you wake us up."

"A man should be separated from his friend for three days. I have been separated from him for more than ten three days. How can I not make any progress?"

Zhang Jiahao chuckled.

He knew in his heart that this doubles match was a great opportunity that Chen Jin had fought for him.

In one’s lifetime, one will try to break through confusion countless times, but the opportunity that can truly allow you to break through will only appear once or twice in a flash.

Whether you can grasp it or not is related to your career.

Therefore, he dared not slack off.

You have to put in your best effort and make a sprint, otherwise you may regret it for the rest of your life.

While talking.

Hearing a creaking sound, Xie Mingyang opened the door and walked out.

There was a strange look on his face.

"what happened?"

Chen Jin observed his expression and asked with concern.

"fine."

Xie Mingyang shook his head.

After saying that, he went into the bathroom, washed his face, and finally returned to normal.

The three of them carried their bags, left the dormitory, and headed straight for the training hall.

"Brother Jin."

Zhang Jiahao asked, "You should be leaving for Neon soon to participate in the Fukuoka finals, right?"

The 2024 WTT Fukuoka Finals will start on November 11th.

Just one week apart.

Fortunately, compared to Europe, Neon is not too far away.

Since they had just finished two rounds of championship games, the coaching staff decided to come back and rest for a few days.

It would still be in time to wait until the 17th to set off for Fukuoka.

What's more, after the Fukuoka finals, the Mixed Team World Cup and the World Youth Championship will follow.

The contestants still need to be finalized.

Especially the World Youth Championship.

The events involved, in addition to singles, also include team, men's doubles, women's doubles and mixed doubles, which is more complicated.

According to the coaching team's plan, this World Youth Championship is an opportunity to test Chen Jin's ability in multiple events.

Therefore, he competes in four events: singles, men's team, men's doubles and mixed doubles.

The men's doubles candidates have not yet been finalized.

Mixed doubles requires more consideration.

"Correct."

Chen Jin nodded.

"Will your accompanying me in doubles training affect your preparations for the Fukuoka finals?"

Zhang Jiahao said worriedly.

"Fortunately."

Chen Jin smiled and said, "I only participated in the singles event in this Fukuoka finals."

"Unlike Lin Shidong and Lin Gaoyuan, who not only play singles but also doubles."

The Fukuoka finals are divided into four events: men's singles, women's singles, men's doubles and women's doubles.

All of them are automatically shortlisted according to the world ranking points.

As for Chen Jin, he only has world rankings in singles and mixed doubles, and did not participate in men's doubles.

So there’s no need to be multi-tasking. “That’s good.”

Only then did Zhang Jiahao feel relieved.

Between the lines.

Sudden.

Xie Mingyang, who had been silent, said, "Zhang Jiahao, is the ancestor of your Zhang family called Zhang Hui?"

"correct."

Zhang Jiahao was puzzled and looked at Xie Mingyang, "Why did you suddenly mention the name of my Zhang family's ancestor?"

"nothing."

Xie Mingyang remained silent.

seven thirty.

Come to the training hall.

As soon as I entered the door, I saw a familiar figure stretching and warming up.

"Team Dragon?"

Chen Jin recognized it at a glance.

"Fuck, it's Team Dragon!"

Zhang Jiahao became very excited, "My idol!"

After the Paris Olympics, Ma Taki rested for a few days and then joined the team again to participate in various activities, such as the "Olympic Champions Tour of Hong Kong and Macau".

I didn’t participate in the Macau Championship.

I originally thought that during the BJ Grand Slam, I might be able to shake hands with Ma Taki and ask for his autograph or something.

However, Zhang Jiahao was sent back to the provincial team and never had the chance to meet him again.

Now, returning to the national team and finally meeting his table tennis idol, my excitement is self-evident.

"Why is Team Dragon here for training?"

Zhang Jiahao's eyes sparkled with excitement, "Are you preparing for the Fukuoka finals?"

According to the WTT Finals rules, Ma Taki's current world ranking is eighth, and he has obviously been automatically shortlisted.

Besides, there was no official announcement of withdrawal.

Ma Taki appeared in the training hall, most likely to prepare for the Fukuoka finals.

"I thought the BJ Grand Slam was really the Dragons' final international tournament?"

Zhang Jiahao rubbed his palms together, his face full of anticipation, "It seems that I can watch the Dragon team's game again in the Fukuoka finals this time."

at this time.

Chen Jin and Xie Mingyang took a step forward and walked towards Ma Long.

Zhang Jiahao followed closely behind the two men, trembling with fear and treading on thin ice, his face showing both excitement and nervousness.

The closer he got to Ma Taki, the more his body began to tremble uncontrollably.

"Team Dragon."

A few meters away, Chen Jin waved and greeted.

Hearing the voice, Ma Long raised his head and saw Chen Jin, and immediately smiled: "Didn't you just come back? You didn't take a good rest, but came to train?"

The two had played against each other in the last BJ Grand Slam. Although Ma Taki lost, he had a very good impression of Chen Jin, the rising star.

"The early bird catches the worm."

Chen Jin smiled.

If you are all stupid birds, then what is the point of losing to your opponent?
Ma Long smiled and said, "Congratulations on winning two more championships."

It has been more than two months since his debut, and he has won five championships without losing a single game.

Even a player as strong as Ma Taki, who has been in the table tennis world for 20 years, has never achieved such a record.

If he continues like this, his winning streak record will be surpassed by Chen Jin sooner or later.

"Thank you, Dragon Team."

Chen Jin scratched the tip of his nose, "However, I am more looking forward to playing against you again in the Fukuoka finals."

According to official news, the previous withdrawal of Ma Taki and others was "a decision made after communicating with the players themselves and respecting their personal wishes."

And now, in the Fukuoka finals, there has been no official announcement of the withdrawal of Ma Taki and others.

Ma Taki appeared in the training hall again.

Everything is clear.

"I also hope that……"

Ma Taki smiled and said, "But I have to wait until I can participate in the Fukuoka finals."

"what?"

Chen Jin was stunned for a moment, "I thought you, Captain Long, came here to train to prepare for the finals."

"Hasn't it been officially announced yet?"

Ma Taki smiled and said, "I have to be prepared at all times."

"..."

Chen Jin and the other two looked at each other in silence for a moment, not knowing what to say.

The 36-year-old veteran just won the World Cup singles championship, one of the three major tournaments, a few months ago.

At the Paris Olympics, the team doubles lived up to expectations.

In the BJ Grand Slam, he made it to the finals.

Despite this state, they withdrew from the competition one after another.

How can it not make people sigh?
"correct."

Ma Long looked at Zhang Jiahao and immediately changed the subject, "I remember you seem to be Zhang Jiahao, the men's singles champion of this year's National Championships, right?"

Unexpectedly, his idol actually knew him. Zhang Jiahao was flattered: "Captain Long, Captain Long, hello..."

He was usually eloquent, but at this moment he began to stutter.

"I, I am your idol...ah, you, you are my fan..."

Zhang Jiahao realized that he had said the wrong thing and slapped himself a few times, "I'm sorry, Captain Long, I, I'm so excited to see you."

"It's ok."

Ma Long smiled and said, "I understand what you mean."

Then, he turned to look at Chen Jin, "Are you here to prepare for the Fukuoka finals as well?"

"No."

Chen Jin shook his head and told the truth, "We are here to practice doubles."

"Double?"

Ma Long was slightly startled, "With whom?"

Chen Jin did not hide it and pointed at Zhang Jiahao: "We are going to win the men's doubles quota for the World Youth Championship."

"World Youth Championship?"

Ma Long frowned slightly, "Isn't the men's doubles player for the World Youth Championship Huang Youzheng?"

"Correct."

Chen Jin said, "But I think Zhang Jiahao is more suitable."

"really."

Ma Long pondered, "He is a left-handed horizontal board player and the champion of the National Championships. He is more qualified than Huang Youzheng."

"Coach Liu has agreed that if the doubles team of Zhang Jiahao and I can beat the combination of Huang Youzheng and Wen Ruibo tomorrow, then Zhang Jiahao will go to Sweden to participate in this year's World Youth Championship."

Chen Jin told him everything honestly.

"That's fine too."

Ma Long nodded and said, "Speaking of doubles, I do have some experience..."

Hearing this, Chen Jin's eyes lit up.

Captain Long, you are too modest. You don’t just have a little experience; you have billions of experiences!

Having been active in the table tennis world for more than 20 years, the most famous labels attached to Ma Taki are "Table Tennis GOAT" and "Double Grand Slam".

And most of these are the glories brought to him by singles.

But in fact, Ma Taki's doubles performance should not be underestimated.

World Table Tennis Championships, Asian Games, National Games, Asian Championships, ITTF Finals... Ma Taki has won almost all the doubles titles in major competitions.

It is also the fourth consecutive Olympic men's team doubles championship.

The first and only player in the history of men's table tennis to achieve the "doubles super grand slam" and was once rated by the International Table Tennis Federation as "one of the best doubles players in history."

The Dragon and Python combination of Ma Taki and Xu Xin started by winning the men's doubles championship at the 2011 Rotterdam World Table Tennis Championships until the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games men's team doubles, with a winning rate of 70% and a winning rate of 93%. They were praised by the outside world as "Ten years later, they are still the world's number one men's doubles."

When it comes to doubles, Ma Taki has absolute say.

With such a doubles master to guide you, doubles training will be twice as effective with half the effort!
Without waiting for Ma Taki to finish his words.

Chen Jin immediately bowed 90 degrees: "Thank you, Captain Long!"

"But let me be clear."

Ma Long smiled and said, "I will practice doubles with you for two hours, and you have to practice singles with me for at least one hour, how about that?"

"no problem!"

Chen Jin's face immediately lit up with a smile, "I couldn't ask for more."

Originally, they were worried that no one would practice doubles with them.

Unexpectedly, I actually met the right person.

Time is running out, so stop talking.

Chen Jin and others immediately started training.

(End of this chapter)